Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder is associated with risky and unhealthy behaviours among adolescents

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is highly prevalent among adolescents globally, particularly in Israel. This study aimed to evaluate associations between ADHD and engagement in risky/unhealthy behaviours among adolescents.

Cross-sectional study.

Students participating in the 2015-2016 National Health Survey completed self-administered questionnaires, providing demographic, medical and behavioural information (n = 4616, 11-18 years old, 50.2% male). Multivariable logistic regression analyses assessed the associations between ADHD and risky/unhealthy behaviours, including current tobacco/hookah smoking, alcohol consumption (≥1 serving/month), excessive screen time (≥4 h/d), non-compliance with physical activity and sleep recommendations (<1 h/d, and <8 or <9 h/d depending on age, respectively) and unhealthy lifestyle (engagement in ≥3 of these behaviours).

A total of 752 participants reported ever being diagnosed with ADHD (287 of whom were treated with stimulants) and 3864 individuals were included in a non-ADHD comparison group. ADHD was significantly associated with higher prevalence of smoking (odds ratio [OR] 2.15; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.65, 2.80), alcohol consumption (OR 1.38; 95% CI: 1.10, 1.73) and excessive screen time [OR 1.41; 95% CI: 1.18, 1.70), each adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics and the other risky/unhealthy behaviours. Unhealthy lifestyle was twice as common in the ADHD group (OR 2.03; 95% CI: 1.64, 2.51). Stimulant-treated and non-treated adolescents with ADHD did not differ in demographic or behavioural characteristics.

ADHD was significantly associated with an unhealthy lifestyle among adolescents. These behaviours should be detected early and prevention measures put in place to limit their harmful consequences in this adolescent population. Additional large-scale prospective research is needed to deepen the understanding of this association.